June 14, 2006
Takes exception with 'stupidity' remark
Shock and discomfort would best describe my feelings after reading the comments of Richard James Sanders of Elmhurst in the May 31 Your Opinion column.
Not only am I dismayed that Mr. Sanders' discretion valve must have been in the "off" position before writing to your paper, but that this newspaper had the bad taste to bring what should have remained his "inner thoughts" to the public attention.
Mr. Sanders stated that our town's latest victim to a train, Kristen Bowen, was due to "her own stupidity."
He also states that the new Kristen's Law to help erect a concrete fence to prevent more lost lives in our community "does not make any sense." I find it hard to fathom that a community trying to help save children's lives would be of no sense.
What has crossed many of our minds after losing Kristen is the thoughts of "Why." Why did she not walk down to the gated crossing? Why did she not see or hear the train coming?
Stupidity is not a word we have used with the loss of this bright, funny, loving, intelligent girl. Shame on you, R.J. Sanders of Elmhurst. And while I dislike the word stupid, the best example I can think of it right now is your decision to write to this column with your mean thoughts. Next time you have a plan to share yourself with others, do the rest of us a favor and keep your hurtful thoughts were they belong -- to yourself.
Debbie Dolecki
Villa Park
Reprinted with permission from the Villa Park Argus